Chapter 1

“Scarce industrial land must be preserved by cities’ economic health” – Vancouver Sun on July 10th, 2006

This article is referring to the scarce of land use of industries. Canada is the third largest country in the world; however, we often overlooked the scarcity of industrial land. It is hard to mix land use, including residential, commercial and industrial. There would be little reason to live in Canada if the amount of spaces is so restricted and limited. Due to this fact, Vancouver economy would be dependent on tourism. Industry is primary in the economy. Not only it provides employments, but some businesses need suppliers to deliver products. In 1972, Vancouver had about 2, 400 acres of industrial-zoned land. By 1995, the figure had dropped to about 1, 700 acres. Ideas came on to city council to adopt policies to preserve what was left. However, the latest inventory shows there are only 89 acres designated for industrial uses remain undeveloped. The only land left is usually located or vulnerable to traffic congestion and this cause the limitation of businesses. The shortage of industrial land leads to an increased in price which well exceeds prices of residential property. This caused pressure both economically and politically. People have also became more interested in the construction of houses. Preserving industrial land has become a priority. Also, a regulatory system is needed for the city councils.

Relationships to Chapter 1 – resources (land for industries) – scarcity

As we learned in chapter 1, scarcity is “an insufficient amount or supply.” In economic terms, anything that has a limited supply is considered as scarce. That states almost everything is scarce. Even though Canada is a large country, most lands in Canada are used for residential use. Industrial work accounts for a big part of our economy and with it being scarce, our economy will have a big negative impact. Also, increased in population will cause more people living within one space. Land will not grow while population grows With the limited land we have in Canada, the price will increase quickly. This is because there’s a high demand, yet the supply available is limited. Like the article has addressed, people will turn away from these high prices and move elsewhere. This will affect Canada’s economy as it depends greatly on the exporting of products manufactured from industries. I think preserving the land is definitely important to our economic. Land can be preserved by regulations controlled by the city councils, use it sustainable or put more restrictions on people who buys the lands.

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=7e9f24d2-58a8-4a14-a81d-70fbb403a63e